Ringing in my ears. Dust and smoke. Can’t see. Can’t breathe.
Somewhere close, the alpha is down. Other wolves scattered. Syndicate operatives shouting.
The building is collapsing. Fire everywhere. Secondary explosions as something inside detonates.
Through the bond, I search desperately.
Where is she? Need to find her. Need to know she’s—
There. Faint but present. Alive. Blessedly alive.
Relief crashes through me so intense that it’s almost painful.
I push myself to my feet. Shift back to human form. Easier to move.
Through the haze, I see figures approaching. Multiple. Moving fast through the chaos.
Syndicate reinforcements? The helicopter arrived early?
If that’s the case, we’re done.
Chapter 31
Nadia
I watch as Jericho walks toward the facility gate. My wolf surges against my control, demanding I follow. Stay close. Guard his back.
But that’s not the plan. My role is here, waiting for the signal, then creating the diversion that gives him extraction time.
The gate opens. He walks through. Disappears inside the compound.
My wolf strains toward the facility, every instinct pulling me after him.
Mate walking into danger. Alone.
I hold myself still. Focus on breathing. On the plan. On trust. He knows what he’s doing. He’s had years inside Syndicate facilities. This is his expertise.
But he’s alone.
I check my watch. Fifteen hundred hours. My pack should be here. Should have arrived fifteen minutes ago.
Where are they?
I scan the approach roads. Nothing. No vehicles. No wolf energy signatures.
Fifteen-oh-five.
Merric is never late. If he said he’d be here, he’ll be here. Unless something stopped him.
Syndicate patrol? Aurora forces? Accident?
I look back down at the building. Jericho is inside. Alone. Moving through that facility without backup.
I should go after him.
No. That compromises the mission. The diversion has to come from outside at the right moment. Has to draw attention away from his position. I have to trust he’s executing the plan. Trust he’s reaching the test subjects. Trust he’ll get them out.
My wolf whines, something pulling at her. Reaching toward the facility. Toward him.
